Category: Land Extreme Sports

Diving Safaris in the Maldives

One of the hottest spots on the planet for diving safaris, the Maldives provides countless hours of underwater exploration for intrepid divers looking to uncover the secrets of the deep. A convenient option would be to stay at a Maldives resort such as Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa Maldives which not only offers half and full day diving safaris, but also gives guests access to the Aquafanatics Diving Centre where one can get PADI certification too.

Diving safaris in the Maldives generally offer well trained guides who will accompany you on your adventures beneath the waves. Apart from day safaris, there are also overnight trips that take place on what are known as liveaboards that come with accommodation too. Amongst the well known dive sites in the country are Girifushi Thila, Lion’s Head, Kuda Haa and Banana Reef, while wrecks such as the Maldives Victory are popular as well. On your excursions you can expect to see a wide range of colourful coral along with a fascinating variety of marine life including spotted eagle rays, napoleon wrasses, tunas, butterfly fish, blue-striped snappers, gray reef sharks and manta rays. Such safaris help you truly appreciate the stunning marine biodiversity of the Maldives.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

PADI Scuba Diving Courses: For the Bold and Brave at Heart

Maldives is a premier scuba diving destination in the world, with a reason. The clear waters and the perfect weather conditions combine to create one of the safest and best places in the face of the earth to practise the fascinating sport of scuba diving. The bonus on offer is certainly the rich and vibrant marine life the seas of Maldives is teeming with, giving one breathtaking vistas to gaze at while gliding under water. As you stay at luxury Maldives hotels such as Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas take time to experience the breathtaking delights of scuba diving to enjoy a holiday to remember. Further put your holiday time to best use by enrolling in a PADI Scuba Diving Course to gain a skill that you will proudly possess for the rest of your life.

Maldivian waters are smooth and immensely beautiful and are more so when experienced up close while scuba diving. The sensation you will enjoy as gravity loses its power over you and you float in the eerie silence as fish swim by unafraid will make you fall so much in love with the sea that you will wish for sure to return for more. Scuba diving, a sport that is not reserved for the professionals and wildly dashing, can be experienced even in the tender years of 10 provided that a good health backs up the enthusiasm.

Maldives offers ample opportunities to engage in the sessions of a PADI Scuba Diving Course given the plethora of water sport centres that fringe the beaches. Some of the many hotels that are found in Maldives also offer courses to those who wish to learn so the opportunities for learning are certainly immense. When booking sessions always keep your timelines as well as budgets in mind and make sure you select packages and courses that can accommodate both. Several theory classes will also have to be attended to gain a title in the sport so keep your holiday diaries well planned and ready once you decide to embark on this blissful journey.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Explore Breathtaking Abu Dhabi on an Engaging Horse Ride across the Desert

Visitors in search of a stylish hotel in Abu Dhabi should look no further than the elegant Eastern Mangroves Resort & Spa. Offering guests a scenic desert hideaway with its very own spa facility this luxurious rest is perfect for holidaymakers as well as business travellers.

As a former fishing hamlet that has blossomed in to one of the Emirates’ thriving crown jewels Abu Dhabi is an island that is in touch with its roots as well as its modern day successes. Frequented by globetrotters from around the world the intriguing desert landscapes of this island holiday Mecca is what sets it apart from other nations bordering the Persian Gulf. Although dune bashing, mountain biking and camel rides are the hot pick activities among seasoned visitors to the Islamic nation, the venue also enjoys a reputation as an equestrian hub in the region with its fair share of facilities where one can saddle up.
The most popular riding establishments in Abu Dhabi include the Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club, The Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, the Dhabian Equestrian Club and the Al Forsan International Sports Resort while a number of resorts and five star hotels in the island also offer horse riding excursions in some of Abu Dhabi’s most exotic terrains. Desert riding expeditions are the most popular tour packages among tourists as the excursions offer visitors a different vantage point from which to discover Abu Dhabi and its natural beauty.

Morning and evening horse riding excursions are available to those who wish to take in the sights and sounds of the vast desert terrains that dot the city. Setting off with a guide who will keep visitors informed on the geographical and cultural significance of the landscapes on the tour route riders can combine the joy of horse riding and a desert adventure in to one all encompassing tour package. Relaxing as well as invigorating a horse ride across the desert is a once in a lifetime experience that is not just reserved for riders with some level of riding time under their belt but for novices and curious corporate travellers eager to make the most of their free time in Abu Dhabi.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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A breath of Fresh Air

Abu Dhabi has significant mangrove forests around islands and sheltered coastal zones. While some new planting of mangrove trees were necessary to improve their condition, a great part of the 70 sq miles of mangrove forests spread along its 547 km shoreline is naturally occurring. The nutrient rich waters among the trees provide habitats for birds and nurseries for coastal fish species. Mangrove kayaking can be enjoyed at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, an Abu Dhabi resort on Yas Island.

Leaving the city behind and taking a kayaking trip deep into the mangroves, paddling along coastal channels and among low hanging branches introduces many to a different side of the emirate. Although the mangrove forests are close to the city, it is another world out here. The predominant noises are the dip of the paddle in the water, the call of birds and the soft sounds of fish moving about in the water.

Kayakers can take advantage of specially tailored trips to experience this exceptional natural environment. A trip to navigate the Eastern and Yas Island mangroves for instance takes about one to two hours. However the experience is dependent on tides. High tide allows kayakers to move in the shallows under the mangrove canopy but as the shore is inundated there is no shore life. Low tide allows access to the bigger channels and little or no access to the mangrove forest. However paddlers can observe life on the exposed shore. Avid birders will find both expeditions fascinating. There is also a moonlight option but this is understandably only for expert kayakers. Taking an eco mangrove tour is a great way to learn about the mangrove ecosystem and its wildlife. Experienced kayakers can take a three hour trip to Abu Dhabi Island and lunch on shore or circumnavigate it and camp overnight. Other kayaking experiences include catch and release fishing, a paddle along the Umm Al Quwain coastline known for its marine life including black tipped reef sharks, green turtles, flamingos and storks in the summer and dolphins and dugongs during the cooler months.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Jungle Tales

Phra Taew is a forested mountain range in the north of Phuket with a central peak rising 450 meters, the highest point on the island. Still in pristine condition, it is an excellent example of a rain forest in South East Asia. The forest is both a recreation area and a class room that can impart knowledge on the fragile eco system and how best to preserve it. The fauna here include a herd of barking deer, bands of monkeys and gibbons released into the wild from the nearby Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre, wild boar, small mammals such as the Malayan Black Giant Squirrel, amphibians, reptiles and many species of migratory and native birds. The flora comprises of tropical evergreen trees, bamboo, palms and ferns. Bang Pae waterfall is its most prominent water feature. The pools it forms are popular with hikers seeking to cool off. Hikes to Khao Phra Taew Wildlife Park can be planned from Anantara Phuket Villas, a popular Phuket beach resort.

The wildlife park has a 600 meter and a two km easy to follow hiking trails from Bang Pae waterfall to Ton Sai waterfall. Visitors keen on a wildlife experience can hire a guide at the information centre near the Bang Pae waterfall or set off on their own. Although the trail is not arduous some scrambling over fallen trees and rocks are involved. As the trail goes up the mountain visitor will observe a change in the flora. The Wild Animal Rescue Foundation of Thailand or WARF also offers several hiking options. These treks include the services of ecology lecturers and trackers and offer the best ways to see its fauna and understand its flora. The hikes are categorized as a Soft Jungle Experience which is a half day hike, Nocturnal Life a night trip, gibbon trekking day trips and overnight camping trips. Having the services of a tracker is the best way to see wildlife during daytime. Night trips offer opportunities to see a range of amphibians, reptiles and several small nocturnal creatures.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Wind Surfing in Maldives

Blessed with soft sandy beaches, azure ocean waters and calm aquamarine lagoons, the Maldives provides an idyllic getaway in which to enjoy a plethora of exciting water sports. While diving in Maldives is certainly a popular activity that gives you the chance to truly explore the colourful world beneath the waves, for more laidback fun in the surf you can try some wind surfing. A convenient way to experience this thrilling activity would be to stay at a resort which gives you plenty of opportunities to take part in such water sports. Baros Maldives is an ideal option worth considering in this regard.

Relying on the power of the breeze, wind surfing offers plenty of action packed excitement for those looking to embark on a unique ride on the waves. The lagoons that can be found on the islands are generally the spots chosen for this water sport and the tranquil waters here offer the perfect playground where beginners can feel the rush of the wind in their hair and the promise of adventure all around.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Desert Activities in Abu Dhabi

The endless stretches of soft golden sands are one of UAE’s biggest attractions. People from around the globe visit these deserts to bask in their unspoiled beauty. Although deserts are made of merely dunes and dunes and more dunes there is so much to discover in these amazing dunes. Pretty much all the luxury hotels Abu Dhabi has includes touring these golden wonders as part of their available excursion packages but nothing quite tops the desert experience offered by the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.

There is so much to do, so much to see and so much to part take in. There is something absolutely awe inspiring and intriguing about the Arabian Desert. Several of the desert activities boast rugged strength and power. Take archery for instance. In Liwa the tribesman took great pride in their hunting skills. Today in this very desert you get an opportunity to try your hand at archery. There is a number of shooting ranges which you can indulge in depending on your level of experience with archery. Another interesting fat burning activity in the deserts of Abu Dhabi is Mountain biking. The experience of biking on sand dunes is unique in all angles. If you are looking for means of exploring the deserts why not opt for a ride atop the back of a camel. These tall crooked animals give you a spectacular ride and better yet a spectacular view of your desert surroundings.

One of the most exciting and adventurous activities on the desert is dune bashing. Hire a 4×4 vehicle along with a guide and be a part of the thrilling adventure where your driver conquers the dunes in a series of sharp and exciting moves. Another bold and beautiful activity depicting the age old culture of the Emirates is the Falconry and Saluki show. The traditional sport of Falconry which was practiced for thousands of years has made this fierce bird a cultural symbol of the UAE. A live falcon and a saluki show are presented followed by exciting stories about hunting with these mighty falcons.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Dune Bashing –Wild Driving in the Dunes

The vast stretches of rolling golden dunes have always been one of Oman’s biggest attractions. In fact a holiday in Oman is not complete without experiencing all the wonders that these vistas have to offer. There is feeling of being whisked away from the world when one is on these dunes. While exploring the authentic side of Oman, try staying at the Desert Nights Camp. This is one hotel in Oman which will give you the fullest experience of the authentic Omani World.

There is a blissful tranquility in the Omani stretches of Dunes. Unlike the UAE, Oman is more quiet and subdue, yet gives the same ravenous thrill with all its wonders. A popular activity on Dunes -anywhere where there is a desert- is dune bashing. Dune bashing is a sport where large 4 wheel drive vehicles are driven off road into the dunes. It might sound easy but it is not. In fact a lot of skill and technique is required to maneuver the vehicle around the many slopes and curves of the dunes. But rest assured all the hard work completely pays off for Dune bashing gives a thrill and adventure like no other sport.

In Oman one of the best places for Dune bashing is the Wahiba Sands at the Bidiya Village. Since Dune bashing is immensely popular in this area, there is plenty of 4×4 for rent, roaming the area. Unless you are an expert driver or have plenty of experience with dunes in the past, it is advisable to hire a professional driver. Omanis are found in plenty in this area who are more than happy to drive you around so that you can enjoy an optimum experience of Dune bashing. In addition to being your drivers on the desert, these Omani’s serve very well as guides and may even give you a sneak peek of a typical Omani desert lifestyle.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Hoi An Motorbike Adventures

Anyone who enjoys riding motorcycles will be delighted by the opportunities on offer in the central region of Vietnam. Starting out from Hoi An, the traveller will be able to traverse the exceedingly picturesque and tranquil landscapes of Central Vietnam, which are truly magical areas to explore. Visitors will be able to join the tours conducted by reputed specialists who will provide the necessary equipment and guidance. However first it would be important for one to choose a place to be based at. Hoi An hotels would serve as excellent venues to come home to and in particular Anantara Hoi an Resort with its well equipped rooms should definitely be considered.

The sheer diversity of the terrain and the spectacular sights on offer make this area an adventure and outdoor lover’s dream. Even if you opt for a single day’s excursion from the town of Hoi An, you will have the opportunity to observe different delightful vistas. You will traverse coastal flood plains filled with paddy fields, crossing tranquil rivers and verdant rainforests, exploring the pristine unsullied countryside of Vietnam.

Participants will be able to make their way through the country’s centrally located highlands which are inhabited by people of ethnic minorities. The amazing roads found here may be counted amongst the most scenic and attractive anywhere in the world, sweeping and winding their way through mountains and valleys. Every turn and bend will bring yet more breathtaking and mesmerizing vistas to your eyes, filling your senses with sheer pleasure and contentment. If you desire tranquil solitude, you will be delighted by this environment, as other motorists will be few and far between. Travellers who prefer the silent majesty of pristine rainforests will be spellbound by the verdant terrain, wreathed by the clinging mountain mists.

This part of Vietnam also boasts its share of manmade attractions, from rustic farming communities to fascinating remnants of ancient civilizations and even sites of conflict and battle. Part of the allure of this mesmeric environment is the amazing variety of terrains and road conditions. Visitors will have the chance to negotiate secluded back streets, swooping bends and switchbacks as well as muddy gravel tracks. The motorcycle enthusiast and even the general sightseer will find this to be the adventure of a lifetime.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Go Dragon Cave Rafting across Taniwha Blackwater in Adventure Sports Capital Greymouth

Regarded as one of the most thrilling adventure sports activities available in Greymouth, Dragon Cave Rafting is no run-of-the-mill rafting adventure for the masses. As the capital of New Zealand’s West Coast Greymouth sits on the lips of Grey River and is renowned across the country for its diverse landscapes littered with caves and black waters. Also known as cave tubing a rafting tour in Greymouth is a once in a lifetime opportunity to raft across breathtaking rainforests while discovering the area’s most intriguing natural caves and the glow worms that call it home.
Ideal for those who wish to spend time uncovering Greymouth’s unchartered terrain Blackwater or Dragon Cave rafting adventures are perfect half-day excursions that are not just reserved for adrenaline junkies. Athletic holidaymakers however can experience the tour in a novel way as they have the option of reaching the river’s tubing section with a cliff jump and abseiling to the summit of the river’s rafting quarter. Other can also take a zip line ride across the rainforest’s verdant canyons for a scenic aerial route to the rafting site. This all encompassing tour allows adventure sports fans to engage in the popular activities of climbing, abseiling, ziplining and rafting in some of the most panoramic settings in all of New Zealand. Inexperienced rafters can walk to the tubing area through the rainforest. Thermal wear such as socks, rubber clothing, river boots, life jackets and helmets are all provided by the tour operators in addition to abseiling and ziplining gear prior to setting off for the starting point of the excursion.
Dubbed “Dragon Caves” due to Maori legends and folktales that are still told by local Taniwha communities the rafting tour across the blackwater lets participants to come face to face with the staggering beauty of rainforest river terrains. The vast complex of caves that are linked to countless Maori myths is also part of the itinerary while curious creatures known as Glow Worms occupy these ominous caves in their thousands and provide sparks of illumination on an otherwise dark interior landscape of the caves. Perfect for groups of travellers and families the tour operators in Greymouth also offer special children’s rafting packages for those who wish to take the young ones along on a rafting adventure.
Travellers in search of luxurious New Zealand hotels should look to none other than Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ for the best deals this holiday season. Offering guests a plethora of stylish establishments in the West Coast its signature rest in Greymouth is ranked among the best Greymouth hotels in the region.

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.Google+